The Bolger Foundation supports capital projects that enhance tangible property owned by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization applying for a grant. Such a project should meet the following parameters: 

Funding requests should be for $10,000 to  $250,000 and include a detailed budget with supporting documentation; furthermore, the overall project budget should not exceed $2.5 million.

The Bolger Foundation does not support:

• Leasehold improvements

• Revenue-generating app development

• Website development

• Affordable housing

• Land trusts

• Charter schools

• Salaries or other operating costs

• Public entities, e.g., schools, municipal governments, etc.

Organizations (or those they support) with net assets in excess of $15 million as defined by their 990 also should not apply.

The Bolger Foundation only gives grants to nonprofit organizations that have a valid tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified as public charities, not “private foundations”, under Sections 509(a)(1) or (2) of the code. Organizations must be in compliance with all mandatory federal and state tax and filing requirements.

In addition, the Bolger Foundation only supports capital projects that enhance tangible property owned by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization applying for a grant.

Some examples of capital projects would be:

• Constructing new facilities, acquiring land, or expanding existing structures

• Upgrading or significantly improving current buildings and grounds

• Purchasing significant and long-lasting equipment, e.g., new computers, a hospital X-ray machine, or other technology.

Furthermore, the capital project to be funded must have a budget of less than $2.5 million. Organizations (or those they support) with net assets in excess of $15 million as defined by their 990 also should not apply.

In summary, The Bolger Foundation does not accept applications for leasehold improvements; endowment; operating support; benefit fundraisers or annual fund appeals; nor from fiscal agents. Please also see Grant Focus (above). Grants will not be made to individuals, nor for projects outside the United States of America.

The Bolger Foundation’s grants range from $10,000 (ten thousand dollars) to $250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand dollars).

Please complete our online Grant Application form. During that process, you will be asked to upload the following information, including copies of pertinent documents as specified below:

• A brief narrative about the primary purpose or mission of your organization (150 words or less)

• The purpose of the grant and if it is to fund your proposal entirely or partially (200 words or less)

• The impact on the organization that this grant would have

• A project budget with line items (required)

• An audited financial report for the most recent fiscal year; if no audit was performed, the most recent Form 990 will be accepted

• Your organization’s most recent 501(c)(3) and 509(a) IRS ruling letter(s)

• Your organization’s annual report, if available

• Spring grant applications are accepted from November 1 through February 1. The grant portal will close at 5pm ET on that date (subject to change based on the number of applications received). Grant applications will be capped at 500

• Fall grant applications are accepted from June 1 through September 1. The grant portal will close at 5pm ET on that date (subject to change based on the number of applications received). Grant applications will be capped at 500

• If the 1st of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, deadline will be next business day

Please note: Grant requests are reviewed at the conclusion of the application period, not as of the actual closing date. Grant awards will be decided within six weeks thereafter and the grantees promptly notified by mail or via email.